A new study, which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that intake of oily fish just once a week may reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is disease related to aging and it gradually destroys sharp, central vision, which is needed for a clear vision of objects and for performing daily tasks like driving and reading. It is the third cause of blindness across the world and also a major cause of blindness and poor vision in older people in Western countries.

The study revealed that among the study participants those in the quartile having the highest intake of omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoicacid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were 70% less prone to wet AMD as compared to those who had the lowest intake of these acids.

The researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and other organizations in seven European countries conducted surveyed the participants on the basis of their dietary habits including how much fish they ate and of what type. After this, an association between incidence of wet AMD and consumption of fish was made.

The study found that the participants who ate oily fish at least once a week were 50% less likely to get wet AMD as compared to those who ate less.

The study was led by Professor Astrid Fletcher at LSHTM.

According to him, “"This is the first study in Europeans to show a beneficial association on wet AMD from the consumption of oily fish and is consistent with results from studies in the USA and Australia. Two 3oz servings a week of oily fish, such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, provide about 500 mg of DHA and EPA per day”.

Other than this, fish oil has been found to be really useful for those who suffer from heart diseases.